Lecture Series Explores Artistic Expression

On four Wednesdays in April, experts will explore ways in which the sacred finds expression in the symbolism of Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Hindu works of art. The series offers the opportunity to view profound artistic expressions at some of the region’s most important museums and places of worship. Each evening offers informal tours of each venue’s collection either before or after the lecture. Series cost for the general public is $50 or $16 per lecture. For members of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum of Art, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, and Skirball Museum, series cost is $25, or $8 per lecture. Students are free with school ID. Seniors pay $10 per lecture or $30 for the series. Reservations are required. Call 513-721-ARTS or visit www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

The Search for the Spiritual Through Art lecture series originated in 1995 under the title Artistic Expressions of Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to enhance interfaith relations by examining the connections between spirituality and art. Offered every other year, previous series have explored how religious beliefs and traditions are manifested through devotional art, architectural motifs, ceremonial objects, sacred spaces, illuminated manuscripts, and images of women.

In past years, the series has focused on the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In response to audience comments, this year’s series welcomes representatives from the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati to the steering committee, and offers a lecture at the Temple that addresses artistic expressions of the Hindu religion.

Dr. James Buchanan, Director of the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier University says of the series, “This is a truly unique program. It not only brings the religious communities into dialogue about very interesting subjects but it also brings together most of the major artistic institutions of Cincinnati along with educational institutions, mosques and temples. This year we have added the Hindu Temple to the group which will add a very new dimension. We really hope the public will avail themselves of the opportunity to interact with some extremely interesting speakers and to view the art collections at some of our finest local institutions.”

The Search for the Spiritual Through Art is sponsored by the Fine Arts Fund, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and The Very Rev. James A. Diamond. The lecture series is presented by the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Edward B. Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier University, the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, the Office of Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University, the Skirball Museum Cincinnati at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and the Taft Museum of Art.